Lindsey Loyd Selected to USA Select Volleyball Team

UNO AthleticsLindsey Loyd will join head coach Jozsef Forman on the USA/BiP u20 Select Volleyball Team that competes in Europe next month.

NEW ORLEANS - University of New Orleans junior Lindsey Loyd has been selected to compete on the USA/BIP u20 Select Volleyball Team that will compete in Croatia next month.

The team, led by Tennessee head coach Rob Patrick, will take part in the 4th annual Global Challenge Tournament in Pula, Croatia July 20-25 after training in for a few says in Slovenia.

The tournament will consist of several European National, Junior National, Youth National and clubs teams from countries such as Denmark, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and Russia.

"I came from a small high school and I never thought I would have this opportunity," said Loyd. "When I came to UNO, I thought I'd just come to college and play volleyball. Never did I think that I would have a chance to play against the top volleyball players on an international level. I'm very blessed and excited to have this opportunity."

Loyd, who has never been overseas, will be joined on the European trip by head UNO coach Jozsef Forman, who will be serving as an assistant coach for Patrick's staff.

"That's the comfort in going there in that I will have a familiar face in someone rooting for me," said Loyd. "I know Coach Forman is on my team and has my back. Having him along lessens the anxiety of going over there."

Following competition in the tournament, the team will get a day in Venice, Italy before heading back to the United States, giving the team a chance to sight-see.

"It is exciting to just see something that is not here, different than what is on American soil," said Loyd. "I'm excited to go."

The outside hitter totaled 377 kills during the 2007 season for an average of 3.19 kills per game, which included a career-high 24 kills in a Sept. 29 road win at Arkansas State. The Houston, Texas native had eight double-doubles on the season, ranking her second on the team.

Upon returning, Loyd will have a short time before joining her UNO teammates for the beginning of practice heading into the season that kicks off Aug. 29.